Exploring Melbourne’s Sporting Icon: the One and Only Melbourne Cricket Ground

Having dominated the world's sporting headlines since it was first constructed in 1853, the MCG is a mega sports arena that has an illustrious reputation that is unrivalled by any other in the land down under. Playing host to the world's first Test match and the 1956 Olympic Games, the MCG was also the venue of choice for the 1992 World Cup final, 2006 Commonwealth Games, innumerable VFL/AFL Grand Finals, countless musical extravaganzas and even a mass by Pope John Paul II.
Located in Yarra Park, central Melbourne the stadium which is affectionately referred to as The G is the largest sports arena in the country and the eighth largest in the world. With a capacity of 100,000 spectators, the ground also holds the global record for the tallest light towers in any arena. The home of the Melbourne Cricket Club, the MCG has also earned a place in the Australian National Heritage List.
Visitors should note that the MCG's 100,000 spectator capacity is the combination of 95,000 seats and standing room for another 5000 people. Spread out across 24,960 square metres, the MCG is also one of the best-maintained venues, with over 350 man-hours a week devoted to re-sodding, rolling, repairing and cutting to maintain its pristine turf while installing irrigation and preparation before each event also takes up a considerable amount of time. Each year also sees 3000 square metres of its central corridor re-laid while 96 sprinklers keep the ground's grass mixture of rye grass and couch at the desired level.
Having witnessed the sporting victories of cricketing nations worldwide, legendary batsman Sir Donald Bradman made a record nine centuries at this hallowed venue, averaging 128 runs in 17 innings. Other highlights in MCG's legacy include nail biting FIFA World Cup qualifiers, international State of Origin league, rugby , Australian Football League and Gaelic Athletic Association matches while the Melbourne Marathon's finish line is also located here. Visitors should also drop into the Australian Gallery of Sport and Olympic Museum at the MCG which is an International Olympic Committee endorsed museum that records the venue's rich sporting heritage.
Travellers on the lookout for an apartment hotel in Melbourne can do no better than the Somerset Gordon Place. Ideally located within walking distance of the central business district, Parliament Station and the Bourke Street tram stop, it is one of the most conveniently situated serviced accommodation Melbourne has to offer.